Evidence of Controlled Cooling, Vascular Regulation, and Sustained Recovery Support in the Equine Hock
Background
This Independent trial evaluated the physiological effects of a wet-applied Incrediwear® Equine Hoof Sock on the left hock of a sport horse under controlled environmental conditions (~23°C). Infrared thermography was used to monitor real-time thermal and vascular changes during and after application.
The purpose was to determine whether the wet-use protocol can:
- Reduce post-exercise heat in the hock and surrounding soft tissues
- Support vascular regulation without inducing cryogenic vasoconstriction
- Provide sustained recovery benefits after removal of the sleeve
This aligns with contemporary veterinary goals of controlled cooling, which reduces inflammation while preserving healthy circulation and synovial mobility.
Methods
Thermal imaging was performed:
- Baseline (T0)
- Every 15 minutes during a 1-hour wet application
- Again at T+1 h post-removal
The left hindlimb (LH) received the wet Hoof Sock.
The right hindlimb (RH) served as the untreated control.
The sleeve was soaked in cold tap water prior to application to reflect realistic post-exercise care protocols.
Three imaging perspectives were analyzed:
- Dorsal view (periarticular & vascular structures)
- Plantar view (soft tissues, flexor chain, calcaneal region)
- Lateral/Medial views (global heat distribution & vascular pathways)
Regions of Interest (RoIs):
Label Region
A1 Saphenous vein region - Superficial vascular circulation
A2 Dorsal tarsocrural joint & capsule - Synovial and periarticular tissues
A3 Dorso-medial / Calcaneal soft tissue - Flexor and supportive tendon structures
Results
Dorsal View (Hock Joint Cooling & Vascular Influence)
A rapid decrease in surface temperature was observed in the treated hock within the first 15 minutes, with:
- A1 (vascular region): -5.2°C
- A2 (joint capsule): -3.4°C
-
A3 (dorso-medial region): -6.2°
Cooling remained consistent throughout the 60-minute wear period, demonstrating sustained regulation rather than sharp thermal shock.
Post-removal, the treated hock remained 1.4–1.8°C cooler than baseline, indicating continued thermoregulatory benefit even after the sleeve was removed.
Plantar View (Soft Tissue Cooling & Structural Support)
Wet application produced effective cooling across the flexor tendon and calcaneal support structures, with:
- -4.1°C to -7.0°C decrease within the first 15–30 minutes
- Cooling sustained for at least 1 hour
- The residual effect remained post-removal
This demonstrates efficient heat evacuation across the tendon chain and associated connective tissues, relevant for post-exercise strain management.
Lateral / Medial View (Global Limb Cooling Stability)
Images confirmed uniform, anatomically appropriate cooling without uneven thermal patches or tissue rebound.
Cooling extended distally along the limb, aligning with vascular pathways, is an indicator of functional circulatory modulation, not suppression.
Conclusion
The wet application of the Incrediwear® Equine Hock Sleeve resulted in a rapid reduction of surface temperature within the first 15 minutes and a stable, controlled cooling effect that was maintained throughout the 1-hour application period. Notably, the treated limb remained cooler than baseline even after the sleeve was removed, demonstrating a sustained thermoregulatory response rather than a short-term temperature drop.
This controlled cooling profile is particularly relevant in hock care. By lowering inflammatory heat without inducing deep-cold vasoconstriction, the sleeve supports joint comfort, synovial balance, and soft-tissue recovery while allowing healthy circulation to continue. As a result, it can be used safely for longer durations than traditional ice therapies, which may otherwise risk vascular shutdown or rebound inflammation when overapplied.
Overall, the findings indicate that wet use of the Incrediwear® Equine Hock Sleeve is an effective and practical approach for managing:
- Post-exercise heat
- Reducing swelling
- Supporting recovery in horses prone to hock soreness, synovitis, or periarticular inflammation.
The ease of activation with water and the ability to maintain therapeutic cooling without specialized equipment make it particularly well-suited for use in sports stables, competitions, and rehabilitation environments.
Thermographic evaluation performed by ThermoHorse Thermographie Équine (independent operator), following standardized imaging and environmental control protocols.
Full study available upon request: hello@incrediwearequine.com